Electrode assembly

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention provides an electrode assembly comprising: a stack including a plurality of first electrodes stacked in the vertical direction; and a first conductive jig connected to electrode tabs of the plurality of first electrodes, wherein the plurality of first electrodes include: a first lowermost electrode positioned lowest among the plurality of first electrodes; a first uppermost electrode positioned highest among the plurality of first electrodes; and a first intermediate electrode provided between the first lowermost electrode and the first uppermost electrode, the first conductive jig is bonded to an electrode tab of the first lowermost electrode and an electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode, and the first intermediate electrode has an electrode tab in contact with, in a bent shape, the first conductive jig.

Description

electrode assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly for a secondary battery.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0151935, filed on October 31, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are capable of multiple charge-discharge cycles. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices, such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. A secondary battery may include an electrode assembly disposed within a battery case, and the electrode assembly may include multiple negative electrodes, multiple positive electrodes, and a separator. The electrode assembly has a stacked structure in which negative electrodes and positive electrodes are alternately stacked, and the separator is disposed between the negative electrodes and the positive electrodes.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide an electrode assembly for a secondary battery.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides an electrode assembly comprising: a laminate including a plurality of first electrodes stacked in a vertical direction; and a first conductive jig connected to the electrode tabs of the plurality of first electrodes, wherein the plurality of first electrodes includes a first lowest electrode located at the bottom among the plurality of first electrodes, a first uppermost electrode located at the top among the plurality of first electrodes, and a first intermediate electrode provided between the first lowest electrode and the first uppermost electrode, and the first conductive jig is bonded to the electrode tab of the first lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode, and the electrode tab of the first intermediate electrode is in contact with the first conductive jig in a folded form.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the first conductive jig is characterized by comprising: a first connecting plate having an inner surface facing the laminate and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; and a first lead plate extending outwardly from the outer surface of the first connecting plate.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the first lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode are in contact with the outer surface of the first connecting plate.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the first lowest electrode is characterized by having a bent shape extending along the bottom surface and the outer surface of the first connecting plate, and the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode is characterized by having a bent shape extending along the top surface and the outer surface of the first connecting plate.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the first lowest electrode has a joint joined to the outer surface of the first connecting plate, and the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode has a joint joined to the outer surface of the first connecting plate.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the first intermediate electrode is characterized by being in contact with the inner surface of the first connecting plate.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, at least two of the electrode tabs of the first lowest electrode, the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode, and the electrode tab of the first intermediate electrode are spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the first lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode are welded to the first conductive jig to form an integral part of the first conductive jig, and the electrode tab of the first intermediate electrode is pressed and bent against the first conductive jig.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the laminate further comprises a plurality of second electrodes stacked in the vertical direction, and two adjacent second electrodes among the plurality of second electrodes are spaced apart with one of the plurality of first electrodes in between, and the electrode assembly further comprises a second conductive jig connected to the electrode tabs of the plurality of second electrodes, and the plurality of second electrodes include a second lowest electrode at the bottom of the plurality of second electrodes, a second uppermost electrode at the top of the plurality of second electrodes, and a second intermediate electrode provided between the second lowest electrode and the second uppermost electrode, and the second conductive jig is bonded to the electrode tab of the second lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode, and the electrode tab of the second intermediate electrode is in contact with the second conductive jig in a folded form.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the second conductive jig is characterized by comprising: a second connecting plate having an inner surface facing the laminate and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; and a second lead plate extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second connecting plate.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the second lowest electrode is in contact with the outer surface of the second connecting plate, the electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode is in contact with the outer surface of the second connecting plate, and the electrode tab of the second intermediate electrode is in contact with the inner surface of the second connecting plate.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the second lowest electrode is characterized by having a bent shape extending along the bottom surface and the outer surface of the second connecting plate, and the electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode is characterized by having a bent shape extending along the top surface and the outer surface of the second connecting plate.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the second lowest electrode has a joint joined to the outer surface of the second connecting plate, and the electrode tab of the second highest electrode has a joint joined to the outer surface of the second connecting plate.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, at least two of the electrode tabs of the second lowest electrode, the electrode tab of the second highest electrode, and the electrode tab of the second intermediate electrode are spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the second lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode are welded to the second conductive jig to form an integral part of the second conductive jig, and the electrode tab of the second intermediate electrode is pressed and bent against the second conductive jig.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the uppermost electrode are joined to a conductive jig that serves as an external terminal of a secondary battery. When the electrode tab of the lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the uppermost electrode are joined to the conductive jig, the electrode tab of one or more intermediate electrodes is in close contact with the conductive jig. Therefore, pre-welding to join the electrode tabs of multiple electrodes can be omitted, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the electrode assembly.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments, pre-welding for joining electrode tabs of a plurality of electrodes is omitted and the plurality of electrode tabs are directly connected to a conductive jig, thereby reducing the minimum dimensions of the terrace portion of the secondary battery where the conductive jig is located. Accordingly, the energy density of the secondary battery can be improved by reducing the dimensions of the terrace portion of the secondary battery where the conductive jig is located. In addition, the design freedom for the terrace portion of the secondary battery where the conductive jig is located can be improved.

[0022] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first conductive jig provided in an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a side view showing one side of an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the other side of an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIGS. 5a to 5c are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0029] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0030] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0031] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0032]

[0033] (1st embodiment)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first conductive jig (210) provided in an electrode assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 is a side view showing one side of an electrode assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the other side of an electrode assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the electrode assembly (10) may include a laminate (100), a first conductive jig (210), and a second conductive jig (220).

[0036] A laminate (100) may include a plurality of electrodes (101) and a separator (130). The laminate (100) may have a laminated structure in which a plurality of electrodes (101) are stacked in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). Each individual electrode (101) may have a flat plate shape extending approximately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). A plurality of electrodes (101) may be spaced apart from each other by a separator (130). A separator (130) may be interposed between two electrodes (101) that are adjacent in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) among the plurality of electrodes (101). In exemplary embodiments, the laminate (100) may include a plurality of separators (130), and each of the separators (130) may be interposed between two electrodes (101) that are adjacent in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction).

[0037] Each individual electrode (101) may correspond to a positive electrode or a negative electrode.

[0038] The above-mentioned positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material coated on the positive current collector. For example, the positive current collector may include aluminum, nickel, titanium, and / or stainless steel. The positive active material is a material capable of causing an electrochemical reaction. The positive active material may include a lithium transition metal oxide. The positive active material may include, for example, a layered compound such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals, a lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals, a lithium nickel-based oxide, a lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide, and / or an olivine-based lithium metal phosphate.

[0039] The above-mentioned cathode may include a cathode current collector and a cathode active material coated on the cathode current collector. For example, the cathode current collector may include copper, aluminum, nickel, titanium, stainless steel, and / or an aluminum-cadmium alloy. The cathode active material may include carbon, for example, non-graphitizable carbon, graphite-based carbon, etc. The cathode active material may include, for example, a metal composite oxide. The cathode active material may include, for example, lithium metal, lithium alloy, silicon-based alloy, tin-based alloy. The cathode active material may include, for example, a metal oxide such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, Bi2O5, etc. The cathode active material may include, for example, a conductive polymer such as polyacetylene, a Li-Co-Ni-based material, etc.

[0040] Each individual electrode (101) may include an electrode tab provided on its side. The electrode tab of each individual electrode (101) may include the same material as the material of the current collector of each individual electrode (101).

[0041] A plurality of electrodes (101) may include a plurality of first electrodes (110) stacked in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) and a plurality of second electrodes (120) stacked in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The first electrodes (110) and the second electrodes (120) may have different polarities. In exemplary embodiments, the first electrode (110) may be a negative electrode and the second electrode (120) may be a positive electrode. In exemplary embodiments, the first electrode (110) may be a positive electrode and the second electrode (120) may be a negative electrode. In the laminate (100), the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (120) may be alternately stacked in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). Two first electrodes (110) adjacent in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) may be spaced apart with one second electrode (120) in between, and two second electrodes (120) adjacent in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) may be spaced apart with one first electrode (110) in between.

[0042] A plurality of first electrodes (110) may include a first lower electrode (111), a first upper electrode (113), and a first intermediate electrode (115). The first lower electrode (111) may be at the lowermost among the plurality of first electrodes (110). The first upper electrode (113) may be at the uppermost among the plurality of first electrodes (110). The first intermediate electrode (115) may be located between the first lower electrode (111) and the first upper electrode (113). A plurality of first electrodes (110) may include one or more first intermediate electrodes (115).

[0043] A plurality of second electrodes (120) may include a second lowest electrode (121), a second uppermost electrode (123), and a second intermediate electrode (125). The second lowest electrode (121) may be at the lowest among the plurality of second electrodes (120). The second uppermost electrode (123) may be at the uppermost among the plurality of second electrodes (120). The second intermediate electrode (125) may be located between the second lowest electrode (121) and the second uppermost electrode (123). A plurality of second electrodes (120) may include one or more second intermediate electrodes (125).

[0044] The first conductive jig (210) may face one side of the laminate (100) and may be connected to a plurality of electrode tabs of a plurality of first electrodes (110). In exemplary embodiments, some of the plurality of electrode tabs of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be coupled to the first conductive jig (210) to form an integral part of the first conductive jig (210), and other parts of the plurality of electrode tabs of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be in simple contact with the first conductive jig (210). Some of the plurality of electrode tabs of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be joined to the first conductive jig (210) through welding, and other parts of the plurality of electrode tabs of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be in close contact with the first conductive jig (210) in a bent form. The first conductive jig (210) may include metal. For example, the first conductive jig (210) may include copper, aluminum, nickel, iron, chrome, gold, silver, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The first conductive jig (210) may include a first connecting plate (211) and a first lead plate (215).

[0046] The first connecting plate (211) may have a flat plate shape approximately parallel to the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The first connecting plate (211) may have a rectangular shape. The first connecting plate (211) may include an inner surface (2111) facing the laminate (100) and an outer surface (2113) opposite to the inner surface (2111). The first connecting plate (211) may contact a plurality of electrode tabs of a plurality of first electrodes (110).

[0047] The first lead plate (215) may be connected to the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211) and may extend outward from the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211). The first lead plate (215) may have a flat plate shape approximately parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The first lead plate (215) may have a rectangular shape. The electrode assembly (10) may form a secondary battery together with a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly (10). In the secondary battery, a portion of the first lead plate (215) may be accommodated within the cell case, and another portion of the first lead plate (215) may protrude outside the cell case.

[0048] The electrode tab (111t) of the first lower electrode (111) may be joined to the first connecting plate (211) to form an integral part with the first connecting plate (211). In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab (111t) of the first lower electrode (111) may be joined to the first connecting plate (211) by welding. The electrode tab (111t) of the first lower electrode (111) may contact the bottom surface (2115) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211). The electrode tab (111t) of the first lower electrode (111) may have a bent shape extending along the bottom surface (2115) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211) and contact the bottom surface (2115) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211). The electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211) may make surface contact. The electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) may have a joint (111w) joined to the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211). The joint (111w) of the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) may be formed through welding between the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) and the first connecting plate (211).

[0049] The electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) may be joined to the first connecting plate (211) to form an integral part with the first connecting plate (211). In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) may be joined to the first connecting plate (211) by welding. The electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) may contact the upper surface (2117) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211). The electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) may have a bent shape extending along the upper surface (2117) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211) and contact the upper surface (2117) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211). The electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211) may make surface contact. The electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) may have a joint (113w) joined to the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211). The joint (113w) of the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) may be formed through welding between the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) and the first connecting plate (211).

[0050] The electrode tab (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) may be in contact with the inner surface (2111) of the first connecting plate (211). The electrode tab (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) may be deformed into a bent shape by being pressed by the first conductive jig (210), and the electrode tab (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) may be in close contact with the inner surface (2111) of the first connecting plate (211) in a bent state. The electrode tab (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) may be in simple contact with the first connecting plate (211). When the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) and the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) are joined to the first connecting plate (211) through welding, the electrode tab (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) can be configured to be in close contact with the first connecting plate (211) without welding.

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, two or more electrode tabs among the plurality of electrode tabs of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may not be aligned in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). In exemplary embodiments, two or more of the electrode tabs (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111), the electrode tabs (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113), and the electrode tabs (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) may not be aligned in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). For example, at least two of the electrode tabs (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111), the electrode tabs (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113), and the electrode tabs (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) may be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). For example, at least two of the center of the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111), the center of the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113), and the center of the electrode tab (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) may be spaced apart in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). For example, some of the electrode tabs (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111), the electrode tabs (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113), and the electrode tabs (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) may be connected to one edge portion along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the first connecting plate (211), and the remaining portions of the electrode tabs (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111), the electrode tabs (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113), and the electrode tabs (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) may be connected to the other edge portion along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the first connecting plate (211).

[0052] The second conductive jig (220) may face the other side of the laminate (100) and may be connected to a plurality of electrode tabs of a plurality of second electrodes (120). For example, the first conductive jig (210) and the second conductive jig (220) may be spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) with the laminate (100) in between. In exemplary embodiments, some of the plurality of electrode tabs of the plurality of second electrodes (120) may be coupled to the second conductive jig (220) to form an integral part with the second conductive jig (220), and other parts of the plurality of electrode tabs of the plurality of second electrodes (120) may simply be in contact with the second conductive jig (220). Some of the electrode tabs of the plurality of second electrodes (120) may be joined to the second conductive jig (220) through welding, and other parts of the electrode tabs of the plurality of second electrodes (120) may be attached to the second conductive jig (220) in a bent form. The second conductive jig (220) may include a metal. For example, the second conductive jig (220) may include copper, aluminum, nickel, iron, chrome, gold, silver, or a combination thereof.

[0053] The second conductive jig (220) may include a second connecting plate (221) and a second lead plate (225).

[0054] The second connecting plate (221) may have a flat plate shape approximately parallel to the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The second connecting plate (221) may have a rectangular shape. The second connecting plate (221) may include an inner surface (2211) facing the laminate (100) and an outer surface (2213) opposite to the inner surface (2211). The second connecting plate (221) may contact a plurality of electrode tabs of a plurality of second electrodes (120).

[0055] The second lead plate (225) may be connected to the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221) and may extend outward from the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221). The second lead plate (225) may have a flat plate shape approximately parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The second lead plate (225) may have a rectangular shape. In a secondary battery comprising an electrode assembly (10) and a cell case, a portion of the second lead plate (225) may be received within the cell case, and another portion of the second lead plate (225) may protrude outside the cell case.

[0056] The electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) may be joined to the second connecting plate (221) to form an integral part with the second connecting plate (221). In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) may be joined to the second connecting plate (221) by welding. The electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) may contact the bottom surface (2215) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221). The electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) may have a bent shape extending along the bottom surface (2215) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221) and contact the bottom surface (2215) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221). The electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221) may make surface contact. The electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) may have a joint (121w) joined to the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221). The joint (121w) of the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) may be formed through welding between the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) and the second connecting plate (221).

[0057] The electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) may be joined to the second connecting plate (221) to form an integral part with the second connecting plate (221). In exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) may be joined to the second connecting plate (221) by welding. The electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) may contact the upper surface (2217) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221). The electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) may have a bent shape extending along the upper surface (2217) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221), and may be joined to the upper surface (2217) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221). The electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221) may make surface contact. The electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) may have a joint (123w) joined to the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221). The joint (123w) of the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) may be formed through welding between the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) and the second connecting plate (221).

[0058] The electrode tab (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) may be in contact with the inner surface (2211) of the second connecting plate (221). The electrode tab (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) may be deformed into a bent shape by being pressed by the second conductive jig (220), and the electrode tab (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) may be in close contact with the inner surface (2211) of the second connecting plate (221) in a bent state. The electrode tab (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) may be in simple contact with the second connecting plate (221). When the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) and the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) are joined to the second connecting plate (221) through welding, the electrode tab (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) can be configured to be in close contact with the second connecting plate (221) without welding.

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, two or more electrode tabs among the plurality of electrode tabs of the plurality of second electrodes (120) may not be aligned in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). In exemplary embodiments, two or more of the electrode tabs (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121), the electrode tabs (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123), and the electrode tabs (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) may not be aligned in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). For example, at least two of the electrode tabs (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121), the electrode tabs (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123), and the electrode tabs (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) may be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). For example, at least two of the center of the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121), the center of the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123), and the center of the electrode tab (125t) of the second middle electrode (125) may be spaced apart in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). For example, some of the electrode tabs (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121), the electrode tabs (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123), and the electrode tabs (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) may be connected to one edge portion along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the second connecting plate (221), and the remaining portions of the electrode tabs (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121), the electrode tabs (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123), and the electrode tabs (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) may be connected to the other edge portion along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the second connecting plate (221).

[0060]

[0061] (2nd Example)

[0062] FIGS. 5a to 5c are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5a to 5c, the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5a, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (10) includes the step of preparing a laminate (100). In exemplary embodiments, the laminate (100) may be formed through a lamination and stacking process. For example, the laminate (100) may be formed by stacking at least one half-cell, at least one mono-cell, and / or at least one bi-cell in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction).

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5b and 5c, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (10) includes the step of attaching a first conductive jig (210) to a laminate (100).

[0065] The step of attaching the first conductive jig (210) to the laminate (100) may include the step of attaching the first conductive jig (210) to the side of the laminate (100), and the step of welding the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) and the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) to the first conductive jig (210).

[0066] In the step of attaching the first conductive jig (210) to the side of the laminate (100), the electrode tab (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) can be deformed into a bent shape by being pressed against the first conductive jig (210).

[0067] The step of welding the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) to the first conductive jig (210) may include folding the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) so that the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) contacts the bottom surface (2115) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211), and welding the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) to the first conductive jig (210) so that the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) is joined to the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211). When welding between the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) and the first conductive jig (210) is completed, the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) may have a joint (111w) joined to the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211).

[0068] The step of welding the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) to the first conductive jig (210) may include folding the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) so that the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) contacts the upper surface (2117) and the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211), and welding the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) to the first conductive jig (210) so that the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) is joined to the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211). When welding between the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) and the first conductive jig (210) is completed, the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) may have a joint (113w) joined to the outer surface (2113) of the first connecting plate (211).

[0069] When the electrode tab (111t) of the first lowest electrode (111) and the electrode tab (113t) of the first uppermost electrode (113) are each welded to the first conductive jig (210), the first conductive jig (210) can be fixed to the laminate (100), and the electrode tab (115t) of the first intermediate electrode (115) can be in a bent state and attached to the inner surface (2111) of the first connecting plate (211).

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 5b and 5c, the method for manufacturing the electrode assembly (10) includes the step of attaching a second conductive jig (220) to the laminate (100).

[0071] The step of attaching a second conductive jig (220) to a laminate (100) may include the step of attaching the second conductive jig (220) to the side of the laminate (100), and the step of welding the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) and the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) to the second conductive jig (220).

[0072] In the step of attaching the second conductive jig (220) to the side of the laminate (100), the electrode tab (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) can be deformed into a bent shape by being pressed against the second conductive jig (220).

[0073] The step of welding the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) to the second conductive jig (220) may include folding the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) so that the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) contacts the bottom surface (2215) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221), and welding the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) to the second conductive jig (220) so that the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) is joined to the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221). When welding between the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) and the second conductive jig (220) is completed, the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) may have a joint (121w) joined to the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221).

[0074] The step of welding the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) to the second conductive jig (220) may include folding the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) so that the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) contacts the upper surface (2217) and the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221), and welding the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) to the second conductive jig (220) so that the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) is joined to the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221). When welding between the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) and the second conductive jig (220) is completed, the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) may have a joint (123w) joined to the outer surface (2213) of the second connecting plate (221).

[0075] When the electrode tab (121t) of the second lowest electrode (121) and the electrode tab (123t) of the second uppermost electrode (123) are each welded to the second conductive jig (220), the second conductive jig (220) can be fixed to the laminate (100), and the electrode tab (125t) of the second intermediate electrode (125) can be in a bent state and be in close contact with the inner surface (2211) of the second connecting plate (221).

[0076] When manufacturing an electrode assembly according to a comparative example, electrode tabs of a plurality of electrodes are pre-welded to form an electrode tab assembly, and then the electrode tab assembly is welded to an electrode lead that serves as an external terminal of a secondary battery.

[0077] According to exemplary embodiments, the electrode tab of the lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the uppermost electrode are joined to a conductive jig that serves as an external terminal of a secondary battery. When the electrode tab of the lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the uppermost electrode are joined to the conductive jig, the electrode tab of one or more intermediate electrodes is in close contact with the conductive jig. Therefore, pre-welding to join the electrode tabs of multiple electrodes can be omitted, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the electrode assembly.

[0078] According to exemplary embodiments, pre-welding for joining electrode tabs of a plurality of electrodes is omitted and the plurality of electrode tabs are directly connected to a conductive jig, thereby reducing the minimum dimensions of the terrace portion of the secondary battery where the conductive jig is located. Accordingly, the energy density of the secondary battery can be improved by reducing the dimensions of the terrace portion of the secondary battery where the conductive jig is located. In addition, the design freedom for the terrace portion of the secondary battery where the conductive jig is located can be improved.

[0079] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A laminate comprising a plurality of first electrodes stacked in a vertical direction; and A first conductive jig connected to the electrode tabs of the plurality of first electrodes; Includes, The plurality of first electrodes includes a first lowest electrode located at the lowest of the plurality of first electrodes, a first uppermost electrode located at the uppermost of the plurality of first electrodes, and a first intermediate electrode provided between the first lowest electrode and the first uppermost electrode. The first conductive jig is bonded to the electrode tab of the first lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode, and An electrode assembly in which the electrode tab of the first intermediate electrode is in contact with the first conductive jig in a bent form.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first conductive jig is, A first connecting plate comprising an inner surface facing the laminate and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; and A first lead plate extending outwardly from the outer surface of the first connecting plate; An electrode assembly characterized by including 3. In Paragraph 2, An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the first lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode are in contact with the outer surface of the first connecting plate.

4. In Paragraph 3, The electrode tab of the first lowest electrode has a bent shape extending along the bottom surface and the outer surface of the first connecting plate, An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode has a bent shape extending along the upper surface and the outer surface of the first connecting plate.

5. In Paragraph 3, The electrode tab of the first lowest electrode has a joint joined to the outer surface of the first connecting plate, An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode has a joint joined to the outer surface of the first connecting plate.

6. In Paragraph 2, An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the first intermediate electrode is in contact with the inner surface of the first connecting plate.

7. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly characterized in that at least two of the electrode tabs of the first lowest electrode, the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode, and the electrode tab of the first intermediate electrode are spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

8. In Paragraph 1, The electrode tab of the first lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the first uppermost electrode are welded to the first conductive jig to form an integral part with the first conductive jig, and An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the first intermediate electrode is bent by being pressed against the first conductive jig.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above laminate further includes a plurality of second electrodes stacked in the vertical direction, Among the plurality of second electrodes, two adjacent second electrodes are spaced apart with one of the plurality of first electrodes in between, The electrode assembly further includes a second conductive jig connected to the electrode tabs of the plurality of second electrodes, and The plurality of second electrodes includes a second lowest electrode located at the lowest of the plurality of second electrodes, a second uppermost electrode located at the uppermost of the plurality of second electrodes, and a second intermediate electrode provided between the second lowest electrode and the second uppermost electrode. The second conductive jig is bonded to the electrode tab of the second lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode, and An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the second intermediate electrode is in contact with the second conductive jig in a bent form.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above second conductive jig is, A second connecting plate comprising an inner surface facing the laminate and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; and A second lead plate extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second connecting plate; An electrode assembly characterized by including 11. In Paragraph 10, The electrode tab of the second lowest electrode is in contact with the outer surface of the second connecting plate, and The electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode is in contact with the outer surface of the second connecting plate, and An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the second intermediate electrode is in contact with the inner surface of the second connecting plate.

12. In Paragraph 10, The electrode tab of the second lowest electrode has a bent shape extending along the bottom surface and the outer surface of the second connecting plate, An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode has a bent shape extending along the upper surface and the outer surface of the second connecting plate.

13. In Paragraph 10, The electrode tab of the second lowest electrode has a joint joined to the outer surface of the second connecting plate, An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode has a joint joined to the outer surface of the second connecting plate.

14. In Paragraph 9, An electrode assembly characterized in that at least two of the electrode tabs of the second lowest electrode, the electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode, and the electrode tab of the second intermediate electrode are spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

15. In Paragraph 9, The electrode tab of the second lowest electrode and the electrode tab of the second uppermost electrode are welded to the second conductive jig to form an integral part with the second conductive jig, and An electrode assembly characterized in that the electrode tab of the second intermediate electrode is bent by being pressed against the second conductive jig.

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